Central Arkansas dipped into the Arkansas River Valley for another talented athlete Thursday, as Pottsville softball hurler Lauren Tracy made official her decision to join the Sugar Bears next season.

Tracy signed a national letter of intent in the company of friends, family and teammates during an afternoon ceremony at the Pottsville High School gym. She is the second local athlete to sign with UCA, joining Russellville High School basketball standout Marcus Pillow.

"It means a lot," Tracy said of being able to continue her softball career in college. "I worked hard to get where I am today. There's a lot of people I need to thank, like my parents for always supporting me, my pitching coach and all the other Lady Apache softball players."

Pottsville head coach Matt Lee was thrilled to see Tracy take her game to the next level.

"It's great that she's getting to do something she's always wanted to do, especially with the type of person she is and the kind of character she's got," he said.

Lee sees Tracy and the UCA softball program as a good match.

"They're (UCA) going up to a new level (NCAA Division I-AA), and she's going to step in and help start that program off like it should be," he said. "I know she's excited, and I'm excited for her."

The Pottsville girls will compete at the 5AAA conference tournament, which begins today at Clinton, and Tracy is still in the process of wrapping up a stellar career.

Since 2003, Tracy has compiled a record of 47-14 and has recorded 527 strikeouts to 136 runs. Her ERA in that span is a remarkable 1.09.

"When she's got the ball on the mound, she's in total control," Lee said. "You can see that nothing is going to happen until she gets ready. That's just how her personality is. She's just a dominating player when she's got her mind right."

Lee said the transition to the college game will take some getting used to -- as it would for any freshman -- but he believes Tracy will have no trouble adjusting to college life in general.

"It's going to be a big change, but she's very mature," he said. "She's got a great set of parents, and I'm sure they've taught her well. I think she'll fit in without any problems."